hadn’t budged. Kousaka concluded that this visitor was not Sanagi. He went to open the door, and found it was indeed Izumi. Once again, he wore a drab Chester coat over a worn suit. As usual, his hair was oily, and he had a beard resulting from neglecting shaving for two days or so. Kousaka silently let Izumi inside and closed the door. Then he carefully passed by so as not to touch him, and turned away from the living room to face him. “Seems you really hit it off with Hijiri Sanagi,” Izumi commended with folded arms. “I didn’t have any hope for you at all, but you’ve done pretty good, huh?” “Thanks,” Kousaka said bluntly. He figured it was wise to stay quiet about bribing her. “I’d like to know for reference, just how did you approach her? I figure just making her feel comfortable must have been an ordeal.” “I just asked her to be my friend,” Kousaka said, yawning. Due to days without sleep, his eyes were fogged over and his head was numb. “And?” “The end.” He furrowed his brow. “Hey now, you’re kidding, right?